What EFL Cup display vs Crystal Palace means for Kieran Tierney amid Arsenal transfer speculation

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Kieran Tierney got his first outing of the season as Arsenal took on Crystal Palace in an EFL Cup quarter final on Wednesday evening.  

Mikel Arteta rotated his starting XI for this fixture, with Kieran Tierney given the nod at left-back, with Hale End academy gem Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping to the bench. 

This may be an indication that Lewis-Skelly is in line for another Premier League start this weekend, as he was given a bit of a rest during the cup tie.

Meanwhile, Tierney impressed Arsenal fans as he made his first appearance for the North London club of the campaign so far.

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When Kieran Tierney will leave Arsenal

It is clear that the Scotland international has no long-term future at the Emirates Stadium. Although, Arsenal won’t force Tierney out in the January transfer window, he is not a prominent figure in Arteta’s plans. 

Journalist David Ornstein has now revealed that the club have spurned the opportunity to extend his stay.

Reporting on X, he said: “Kieran Tierney to leave Arsenal in summer at latest after club decided against using option to extend contract.”

Arsenal held an option to extend Tierney’s current contract by one extra year, but the date by which they needed to have triggered that clause has now past. 

This means that the former Celtic man will become a free agent in the summer, and can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs once the January transfer window opens.

What next after Arsenal return for Tierney in EFL Cup?

Whilst Tierney is in the final straight of his Arsenal career, he has now shown Arteta that he has something to offer and can contribute to the Gunners’ cause. 

Considering Arsenal have faced a defensive injury crisis this season, this is welcome news for the manager, who may well continue to give Tierney occasional outings even though he is destined to depart the club. 

Outside of a huge turnaround in his fortunes, or a major spate of injuries, Tierney will never be a regular starter for the Gunners again, but he can provide some valuable strength in depth.